TESTING FOR MARBLE

Test if marble is present in rock samples

Suitable For

Grade 4

Difficulty

2

Time Required

<12 Hours

Supervision

Advised

What’s it about?

When unpolished marble is found in the rough, most people will confuse it with just any other metamorphic rock. Geologists often make use of various lab tests to test for the presence of specific substances in rocks. Similarly, in this science experiment we will use vinegar to test for the presence marble:

Topics covered

Metamorphic rock, Calcium carbonate

What will I need?

3x GLASS JARS

VINEGAR

MARBLE GRAVEL

PIECES OF SLATE

PIECES OF LIMESTONE

MAGIC MARKER

CARDBOARD

Procedure (Method)

Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.

How does it work?

Unfortunately, this section is only available in the e-book version of the project.

This science experiment works because vinegar reacts with a substance found in both marble and limestone, called ‘calcium carbonate’, and this reaction releases ‘carbon dioxide’ gas. The shells of living organisms also consist mainly of ‘calcium carbonate’ and an acid such as vinegar has a weakening effect on it. The vinegar actually ‘dissolves’ the ‘calcium carbonate’ and with enough fresh vinegar, both the marble and limestone would eventually be eaten away. Slate does not contain any ‘calcium carbonate’ and the vinegar does not react with it.

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Why not check out the full worksheet in one of our popular e-books?

This particular science project can be found in any of the following Experiland e-books:

A project introduction and background, complete listing of required materials, step-by-step instructions on how to carry out the project, why it works, learn more section, as well as a science glossary with all the relevant terms make up each of the all-inclusive science project worksheets in our e-books!